Data Center Water Consumption

Data center water consumption is the amount of water used in cooling and operational processes within a data center. Water is a critical resource in many data centers, especially those using evaporative or water-cooled systems, as it helps regulate temperature and prevent overheating of IT equipment. As data centers grow in size and density, managing water usage efficiently has become a key concern for sustainability and operational efficiency.

How Data Centers Use Water

• Cooling systems. Many data centers use evaporative cooling, where water absorbs heat from the environment and evaporates, lowering the temperature. This method is highly efficient but consumes significant amounts of water. Some facilities circulate chilled water through cooling coils to absorb heat and regulate temperatures.
• Humidification. Data centers often require controlled humidity levels to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) and equipment damage. Some cooling systems add water vapor to the air to maintain the right humidity levels.
• On-site power generation. Some data centers use backup generators or on-site power plants that require water for cooling and operation, further contributing to overall water usage.
• Facility maintenance. Water is also used for general building maintenance, landscaping, and fire suppression systems, although these typically account for a smaller fraction of overall consumption.

Measuring Data Center Water Consumption

WUE is a key metric used to assess how efficiently a data center consumes water. A lower WUE indicates better water efficiency.

It is calculated as:

WUE = Data center water consumption (L) / IT equipment energy usage (kWh)

It is also important to consider water consumption vs. water withdrawal.

Water consumption is the total amount of water that is used and not returned to the local environment (e.g., evaporated water in cooling systems), while water withdrawal is the total volume of water taken from a local source, which may be partially returned after use.

Challenges of Managing Data Center Water Consumption

• Water scarcity and regional impact. Many data centers operate in areas with limited water availability, making high consumption unsustainable. Competition for water resources with local communities and industries can create environmental and regulatory challenges.
• Balancing water and energy efficiency. Some cooling methods reduce water use but increase energy consumption (e.g., air-cooled systems), while others lower energy use but require more water (e.g., evaporative cooling). Optimizing both energy and water efficiency is a key challenge in sustainable data center operations.
• Regulatory compliance. Water use in data centers is subject to local environmental regulations and reporting requirements. Some regions impose limits on industrial water use, requiring data centers to adopt water-efficient cooling strategies.
• Infrastructure costs. Implementing water-efficient cooling systems, such as closed-loop or recycled water systems, requires significant investment. Retrofitting older data centers with modern water-efficient cooling systems can be expensive and complex.
• Water quality and treatment. Water used in cooling systems must often be treated to prevent scaling, corrosion, and microbial growth, adding maintenance and operational costs.

Tips for Reducing Data Center Water Consumption

To potentially reduce data center water consumption, consider:

• Adopting alternative cooling technologies. Utilizing advanced cooling methods can reduce or eliminate the need for water-intensive cooling towers. Air cooling leverages outside air in cooler climates, while liquid cooling techniques such as direct-to-chip and immersion cooling reduce water dependence. Hybrid cooling systems optimize efficiency by switching between air and water cooling based on weather conditions.
• Implementing water recycling and reuse. Reusing water can significantly cut down on freshwater consumption. Gray water use, such as treating municipal reclaimed water or harvesting rainwater, reduces dependence on potable sources. Closed-loop cooling systems recirculate water continuously, minimizing waste.
• Optimizing cooling efficiency. Increasing operational efficiency helps lower water demand. Raising operating temperatures within ASHRAE-recommended limits, improving airflow management with hot and cold aisle containment, and deploying variable speed pumps and fans all reduce excessive cooling needs.
• Monitoring and managing water use. Real-time monitoring enables better conservation efforts. Installing smart meters and sensors helps track water usage, detect inefficiencies, and prevent leaks. Analyzing water use trends allows data center managers to implement targeted conservation strategies.
• Engaging in sustainable design and site selection. Thoughtful design and location choices can minimize water consumption. Building in cooler climates reduces reliance on water-intensive cooling, while green building strategies, such as energy-efficient insulation and landscaping, further lower water demand.
• Compliance with water conservation standards. Following established sustainability guidelines ensures long-term efficiency. Adhering to certifications like LEED and Water Stewardship frameworks promotes responsible water use. Partnering with local water authorities and regulatory bodies helps data centers align with conservation best practices.
• Deploying DCIM software. Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software can support effective data center humidity management with a psychrometric ASHRAE cooling chart for visual analysis, configurable humidity thresholds and alerts, and dashboard charts for real-time monitoring and trending.

Want to see how Sunbird’s leading DCIM software can make it easy to monitor humidity in your data center to support efforts to reduce water consumption? Get your free test drive now!